Food allergies in children cause more persistent eczema

Children with food allergies are more likely to suffer from persistent, uncontrolled eczema. This association is particularly strong for egg, milk and peanut allergies.These are the findings of a study that analyzed the role of food allergies in the trajectory of atopic dermatitis (AD); both conditions are part of the atopic syndrome. Because they share common immunological pathways, they can exacerbate each other. A growing body of evidence suggests that AD predisposes to food allergies, rather than the other way around. However, certain food allergens may act as triggers for more persistent forms of AD. As well, their influence on eczema would last for at least a decade, according to the results of a study conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.Persistent manifestations“Food allergies are an important prognostic factor in long-term AD. Our results highlight the need for closer monitoring of children with atopic comorbidities, as allergic responses may lead to more persistent manifestations,” noted the authors of the study published in Pediatric Dermatology.To better understand the role of food allergies in the prevention and management of AD, they used data from the prospective Pediatric Eczema Elective Registry (PEER) cohort in the U.S. Just over 8,000 children had been recruited to test the efficacy of a topical immunosuppressant (pimecrolimus) in treating atopic dermatitis. Participants aged between two and 17 were followed twice a year over a 10-year period.Of these, 22.73% had a food allergy, the most common being peanuts, eggs and milk. In this cohort, children with a food allergy were less likely to have a family history of atopic dermatitis. On the other hand, they were more likely to have uncontrolled eczema, to use medications other than the one tested (in this case pimecrolimus), and to have atopic comorbidities such as asthma or allergic rhinitis.Effects over a decade Food allergies are thought to have an effect on the long-term trajectory of eczema. Over a 10-year period, children with food allergies were more likely to have persistent AD (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.17-1.58). This association was strongest for egg allergies (OR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.41-2.38). However, peanut and milk allergies were also associated with persistence of this chronic inflammatory disease over a 10-year period.In this study, only mild to moderate cases were included. As more severe cases were excluded, these results cannot be applied to more severe forms of atopic dermatitis.

Food allergies in children cause more persistent eczema

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics